Earlier reports circulating on social media (and now beginning to appear in the local press) indicate that Orjan Nyland has sustained an as yet unknown injury in training.
The suggestion at this point is that Nyland “broke down” during the morning session following the draw at Preston, with rumours that a significant long termer, possibly an achilles, being the injury. The detail and diagnoses have yet to be confirmed through formal channels.
Nyland, who has struggled badly since his summer arrival, had ironically improved in the last two games.
Indeed, his penalty heroics at Swansea saved Villa three points, whilst a big save at Preston ultimately played it’s part in securing a valuable away point.
Dean Smith now faces an unexpected selection problem for the massive New Years Day game against QPR.
Neither Mark Bunn nor Andre Moreira are considered of the required standard to deputise. Indeed, despite Nyland’s glaring deficiencies for most of the season, neither have managed to displace the Norwegian.
It is reported that Villa are therefore expected to activate the recall clause for Jed Steer, currently on loan at Charlton.
Villa are unable to select new Croation international signing Lovre Kalinic, as his clearance will not have gone through in time for the 1st January game at Villa Park.